Maria Queen, one of the National Leaders Collective’s (NLC) leaders of the month, is a Students for Life of America (SFLA) Founders Fellow attending Stetson University in DeLand, Florida. Learn more about Queen’s activism below.   

I am part of the pro-life movement because I believe that all human Life is valuable. During my first year of college, a friend of mine took her own Life after having an abortion. Experiencing that showed me the pain that abortion can cause, and I knew that no one deserves to feel that kind of hurt. When I transferred to Stetson University, I decided to take a stand and get involved with Students for Life. Since then, our group has supported students in making life-affirming choices, including helping a mother choose Life for her child.   

Being involved with Students for Life has transformed me as a leader. I’ve learned not only how to organize events and start meaningful conversations, but also how to stand firm in my beliefs with compassion and love. Saying “yes” to becoming a Founders Fellow was one of the most important decisions I’ve made. I wanted to grow, be strengthened, and surround myself with other passionate leaders who share the same fire for Life. Before this, I had never been part of a leadership program, and stepping into it felt both new and a little daunting. But now, I am deeply grateful, because this fellowship has not only given me tools for leadership, but also confidence, courage, friends, and a community that continually inspires me to bring a true spirit of Life to my campus.  

This past month, our group hosted two significant events on campus:  

Arts & Crafts: Pro-Life Style — We created a hands-on event where students could make positive, pro-life posters and cards. This allowed our group to connect, be creative, and share hope with others while reflecting on the importance of valuing every Life.  

Charlie Kirk Candlelight Vigil — We organized, with Turning Point USA (TPUSA) and Campus Republicans, a candlelight vigil to honor Charlie Kirk’s legacy, drawing students together in solidarity, prayer, and reflection. 130 people attended.   

This program has taught me that leadership is about compassion and conviction, and about working together. I don’t ever want to step down or stay silent; I want to keep speaking up, standing strong, and building a culture of Life on my campus.  

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